Discussion of academic library book acquisition reviews pertinent literature on book reviews, book selection, and evaluation and proposes a model for academic library book acquisition using a two-year relational database file of approval plan records. Defines a core collection for the California State University system, and characterizes…

Describes a grant-funded research project to relocate selected print journal runs, for which an electronic version is available, to remote storage from the shelves of campus libraries at the University of California. Includes project objectives, criteria for journal selection, and phases of the grant. (LRW)

Presents an organizational model for providing digital reference services to all users who access the library remotely that was developed for distance learners at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities library. Describes the planning and implementation process, and discusses organizational change issues and the value of digital reference services…

Discusses core beliefs held by traditional academic libraries, and how these beliefs represented something of value for the user and provided a common intellectual framework. Identifies disturbing trends in modern librarianship, and suggests libraries need to balance technological knowledge with a respect for traditional library practice, focusing…

Explores tour trends in academic Association of Research Libraries (ARL), specifically examining the prevalence of several tour formats, including guided, self-guided, and virtual Web tours. Results from a survey conducted in November 2000 include statistical information about tour administration, audience, and structure, as well as perceptions of…

Describes the development of criteria and guidelines for merit salary increases at the Colorado State University library. Discusses the use of the criteria for performance evaluation and results of a survey of the library faculty regarding their opinions on the overall effectiveness of the criteria. (Author/LRW)

Describes a University of Iowa Libraries' user needs assessment survey of a random sample of graduate and professional students. Results showed the need for more assistance in using the library, greater awareness of library services offered to graduate students, and the desire for more opportunities for library instruction. (Author/LRW)

Discusses trends in regional accreditation commissions of higher education, including a greater emphasis on outcomes assessment, distance education, information literacy, and encouragement for collaboration, innovation, and experimentation in teaching and learning. Makes recommendations for academic libraries. (Author/LRW)

Describes an information literacy skills assessment project by California State University as part of an accountability process. Highlights include information competence; a qualitative study using information scenarios; capturing what students do when they search for information; and ethnographic data. (LRW)

Discussion of library digital reference services focuses on the features of instant messaging reference systems and the in-house development of a system that incorporates them at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Summarizes and evaluates library chat system features and compares commercial software that is available. (Author/LRW)

Explores how a tenure support group can provide a mechanism for discussing concerns and channeling efforts for academic librarians seeking faculty status. Discusses establishing tenure support groups and their role. Describes programs presented to tenure-track librarians at Texas A&M University, and outlines benefits of participation. (PEN)

A survey of academic librarians determined that the use of e-mail in the follow-up stage of a library research project using mailed questionnaires was as effective as postal mail in speed and size of response. Discusses additional benefits (interpersonal communication, reduced time and costs) and drawbacks (time spent identifying messages…

Describes a longitudinal study of four sets of OPAC (online public access catalog) transaction logs that examined the effects of screen changes in helping searchers improve their search behavior. Results show that while screen changes initially had a positive impact on search behavior, they were not always sustained over time. (Author/LRW)

Describes the results of a survey of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries to identify the minimum education and experience required of paraprofessional catalogers. Topics include copy cataloging, original cataloging, training, and possible paraprofessional degree requirements. (Author/LRW)

Describes CAUL (The Council of Australian University Librarians) which is dedicated to improving access by the staff and students of Australian universities to scholarly information resources. Discusses funding, access to databases, electronic information resources, information infrastructure and network information support, and electronic…